NEWSPAPER ARTICLES: LIBERTY COUNTY ITEMS: 1886-1901

  

August 19, 1886: Immense Quantities of Pears
Hinesville, Ga., -- August 18. -- [Special] -- No one could believe that almost every farmer in this section of Georgia has his own LeConte pear grove, but such is the case. The pear has grown in popularity so much within the last four years that one out of every three men residing here grow them. They are selling in the Hinesville market at $1.40 per bushel. If this is not profitable, what is?
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, August 19, 1886, Page 2
August 20, 1886: Visitors in Hinesville
Hinesville, Ga., August 19. -- [Special] -- Quite a number of city folks have been out in Hinesville spending some time, as well as others from the adjoining country towns, and all who have expressed themselves say that this most certainly be a health resort. Some of them gained at the rate of one pound every two days.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, August 20, 1886, Page 2
August 21, 1886: Judge Wm. B. Fleming Obituary
Judge Wm. B. Fleming, died yesterday at his home in Walthourville, Georgia. He was the oldest member of the Georgia Bar association, and an able jurist.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, August 21, 1886, Page 4
February 8, 1887: Mrs. Serena Sheppard Death
Mrs. Serena Sheppard, of Reidsville, Ga., a sister of Rev. R.Q. Way, fell in the fire recently and has died from the effects of the same. Her remains were buried at Taylor Creek, Liberty county.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, February 8, 1887, Page 2
February 8, 1887: Liberty County Agricultural Societies
There are now three agricultural societies in successful operation in Liberty County -- one in Hinesville, one at Taylors Creek and one at Hickory Lawn. The delegates from these societies to the Americus convention are Messrs. A.J. Hughes, J.W. Lang and S.E. Jones.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, February 8, 1887, Page 2
April 21, 1887: Hinesville's Water Supply
Hinesville, Ga., April 20 -- [Special] -- Our citizens are highly pleased with the idea that a move is on foot to supply our village with water from a mineral spring adjacent to our place by means of a system of waterworks. The water is very fine, and when wehave it put in our houses by pipes, instead of having it brought by hand, we shall be happy.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, April 21, 1887, Page 3
May 11, 1887: The Liberty County Sunday Schools
Hinesville, Ga., May 10 -- [Special] -- The various Sunday schools of Liberty county, together with their friends and many visitors assembled in the beautiful hickory grove in the suburbs of the village of Hinesville, and had a grand reunion. The morning was occupied by the usual routine of marching and singing by the various schools and speeches from those appointed by the committee of arrangements. Rev. J.W. Montgomery delivered an appropriate address of welcome. The other speakers did themselves great credit in handling the themes, selected for the occasion and among other subjects touched upon, gave the children a large amount of good, wholesome advice. The young ladies were in attendance in full force, lending much to the interest of the occasion by their presence and beauty.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, May 11, 1887, Page 3
February 9, 1888: Shot to Death
Savannah, February 8 -- [Special] -- A few weeks ago a house and warehouse were destroyed by fire in Hinesville, and all the circumstances pointed to it being the work of an incendiary. The people have been greatly wrought up in its consequences. Intelligence received here tonight states that a negro was arrested there yesterday on the charge of burning the houses aforesaid. He is said to have confessed the deed, and implicated several in the crime. After a preliminary investigation, he was committed to jail in Hinesville. Last night a band of armed men overpowered the deputy sheriff, who had the prisoner in charge, and carrying him off to the woods, shot him to death. Great excitement prevails in that section.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, February 9, 1888, Page 2
April 28, 1889: A Society Event in Hinesville
Hinesville, Ga., April 27. -- [Special] -- The missionary concert given in the Methodist church in our village Wednesday evening was a decided success. The programme consisted of responsive readings, singing by the Sunday school, recitations by several young ladies, solos by Misses Ora Bradwell and Mamie Carswell. The building was beautifully decorated with flowers. The attendance was good and quite a considerable amount realized for mission work. Everyone was enthusiastic in lauding the praises of Miss May Belle Bradwell for so successfully carrying out the lengthy programme of the entertainment.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, April 28, 1889, Page 12
December 14, 1889: An Attempted Jail Delivery
Hinesville, Ga., December 13 -- [Special] -- Last night, early in the evening, the prisoners were about to make good their escape. One of the prisoners, a woman, and the wife of another prisoner, procured a file and gave it to one of the men who made good use of it in setting himself and several of his fellow prisoners almost at liberty. The prisoners were out of their cells and were making preparations to quit the jail when they were discovered by the guard.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, December 14, 1889, Page 1
November 2, 1890: Hinesville Reading Club
Hinesville, Ga., November 1 -- [Special] -- The Hinesville Reading Club met Tuesday evening at the residence of Sheriff O.C. Smith. Captain J.M. Darsey, the president, was present and called the society to order. The entertainment for the evening consisted of choice readings, recitations, music, etc. Our club is in a flourishing condition, and adds much to the life of our town.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, November 2, 1890, Page 23
November 28, 1890: Hinesville Social News
Hinesville, Ga., November 26 -- [Special] -- Mrs. W.S. Harrison left our village on Monday for a visit of two weeks to friends in Jacksonville, Fla. Rev. W.D. McGregor, Dr. A.I. Hendry and Dr. Charlie Hendry have gone to the seacoast of Liberty county seeking for oysters and venison. Mrs. Maggie Lee, a former resident of our town has been passing a few days in Hinesville with friends and relatives. She left today for her home at Sylvania. Rev. D.F. Sheppard, who had been visiting relatives and friends in Hinesville, left today for his home in Asheville, N.C., where he has charge of a large congregation. Professor McSwain, of our town, has regained his usual health and is at his post again in the school room. Mr. J.T. Delta, of Savanah, has been in Hinesville this week, and it is said there is a special attraction int he form of a beautiful young lady near by which causes him to visit Flemington and vicinity.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, November 28, 1890, Page 6
January 29, 1891: Miss Bradwell's Funeral
The remains of Miss May Belle Bradwell will be laid to rest in Flemister cemetery, Hinesville, in the lot where sleep her relatives, at 11 o'clock today. Short funeral services were conducted at the residence, No. 274 Whitehall, by Rev. Dr. G.B. Stricklen of the Central Presbyterian. Quite a large number of friends of the family were present and the services were very affecting. The remains were carried to the union passenger depot, accompanied by a delegation of the state house officers and a large number of friends, and at 7 o'clock were sent to Hinesville, accompanied by Mr. Bradwell. Miss Ora Bradwell, a younger sister, arrived from Boston, where she has been attending the conservatory of music, yesterday morning and was present for the funeral. The family have the sympathies of friends all over the state in their sorrow. Miss Bradwell was a most lovable young lady, and won the affections of all with whom she came in contact by her many attractive qualities.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, January 29, 1891, Page 7
April 20, 1892: Liberty County Fire
Hinesville, Ga., April 19 -- [Special] -- On the night of the 13th, McIntosh station, on the Savannah, Florida and Western Railway, was visited by a disastrious fire. Mr. E.B. Way's mill and gin were burned to the ground; also the dwelling and outhouses of Andrew Lodkey, and the offices of Captain W.A. Fleming. The water tank was also burned.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, April 20, 1892, Page 2
August 10, 1892: Both Feet Crushed
Savannah, Ga., August 9 -- [Special] -- At Walthourville today Thomas Nolan, conductor of freight train No. 21, on the Savannah, Florida and Western Railroad was thrown from the car while switching and was run over by the engine. He was brought to the city and tomorrow both feet will be amputated. It is feared he cannot stand the shock.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, August 10, 1892, Page 1
March 7, 1896: Stabbed the Detective
Hinesville, via McIntosh, Ga., March 6 -- [Special] -- Henry Porter Stephens, a detective in the employ of the Plant system was fearfully beaten and slashed with a knife in about fifteen places by a negro named James Sandford, alias Smith, whom he was bringing to jail this morning. Sandford's right hand was handcuffed to the detective's left, leaving the negro's left hand loose. When they were in less than a quarter miel of the jail the negro, who is a very large and powerful man, suddenly attacked Stephens, which must have dazed him for a few seconds, when the negro secured a knife from Stephen's pocket and stabbed him as above stated so severely as to be unable to offer resistance. The negro then secured the keys and unlocked the cuffs. He then deliberately rifled the detective's pockets, carrying off an elegant gold watch and his pocket book. The negro tumbled Stephens, who was then unconscious, into the road and at once drove off at a breakneck speed towards Savannah. The wounded man was carried to a physician, who dressed his wounds. Sheriff Smith and a posse immediately started in pursuit of the negro, but up to a late hour nothing had been heard of the possee or Sandford. Dr. Handry says that Stephens will recover.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, March 7, 1896, Page 3
November 1, 1896: The Liberty Independent Troops
The Liberty Independent Troops, which was in the parade yesterday, dismounted, is the third oldest cavalry organization in the United States. It was organized in 1786 and it has maintained an active existence ever since. The company has a brilliant record. Ten years ago it celebrated its centennial near Hinesville, Liberty County.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, November 1, 1896, Page 18
June 17, 1897: Gamblers Killed
Hinesville, Ga., June 16 -- [Special] -- News was received here today of the killing of two negro gamblers, John Dillon and Tom Clark, in a fracus near Swindell still, at R.W. Hammond's on Monday. It appears from the best evidence obtainable that four men were gambling in the woods about a mile from Swindell, when a dispute arose and they began shooting at each other. The result is that Dillon and Clark are dead and the other two, whose names are unknown, were wounded, but not so badly as to prevent their escape. It is probable they were tramp gamblers and thought the others were greenhorns at card playing. They soon discovered their error and the row followed with above result. No inquest was held and no arrests were made.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, June 17, 1897, Page 1
September 18, 1897: Man and Baby Severely Wounded in Shooting Affray
Hinesville, Ga., September 17 -- [Special] -- W.W. Goff, who shot G.W. Bryant today, came in tonight and surrendered himself to the sheriff and was placed in jail. Goff's story is that Bryant went to his house, entered the room where Goff sat holding his child, knocked him down and shot at him. Bryant's ball struck Goff's baby in the head and it will probably die. It was then that he shot Bryant four times. Bryant's friends claim that Goff shot first and that it was a shot from his pistol that hit the baby. They also claim that Bryant was not armed with a pistol. After Goff shot Bryant got a knife and succeeded in inflicting upon Goff a severe knife wound in the neck, from which he is suffering greatly. A posse of Bryant's friends are out looking for Goff and it is feared that they may attack the jail during the night. A guard will probably be put on to insure the protection of the prisoner. The trouble grew out of a debt that Bryant claimed was due by Goff. Bryant brought Goff here from Bayboro, S.C., paying the railroad expense of himself and family. After Goff got here he quit Bryant and worked for another turpentine man. This so incense Bryant that he brought on the probably double fatal affray. Bryant will die tonight.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, September 18, 1897, Page 7
July 10, 1901: Seven Men Break Out of Jail
McIntosh, Ga., July 9 -- [Special] -- Seven prisoners in the county jail at Hinesville escaped last night -- six negroes and one white man. It was not discovered until after daylight. Among them was Farmer Norman, the man who shot Sheriff Brewer about a year ago while resisting arrest near Riceboro. Sheriff Brewer was to leave this morning for the convention of sheriffs at Columbus, Ga., but had to give up his trip.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, July 10, 1901, Page 2
July 15, 1901: Cooper - Hendry Marriage
One of the prettiest marriages ever witnessed in Hinesville was that of Miss Edith Cooper and Mr. E.S. Hendry, which occured at the Methodist church Wednesday evening at half-past 5 o'clock. The decorations for the occasion were beautiful and were delicately arranged. As the bridal party entered the church Mendelssohn's wedding march was performed by Miss Indez Ashmore. There were no attendants. The bride was beautifully gowned in a white silk with trimming of tucked chiffon, lace and ribbon, and carried a bouquet of daisies and maidenhair fern. Miss Cooper is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P.W. Cooper and is a young lady of many accomplishments. Mr. Hendry, formerly of this county, but now of Savannah, is a prominent young business man. Immediately after the ceremony the couple left for Savannah, where they will reside.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, July 15, 1901, Page 6
July 15, 1901: Liberty County Socials
Miss Maud Rogers of Mt. Vernon, is the guest of Mrs. H.C. Fentress. Miss Beulah Hines has as her guest Miss Essie Oppenheim of Savannah. Mrs. Isiah Beasly, who has been visiting Mrs. J.C. Hines, has returned to her home in Reidsville. Misses Stolla and Inez Martin are visiting in Savannah. Mrs. R.M. Martin returned to her home in Savannah Thursday. She was accompained by her sister, Miss Mary Darsey.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, July 15, 1901, Page 6

Submitted by Bob Franks

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